The Greek Festival is an annual event held under one of Hampton Roads' biggest tents on the grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk, VA. The 2015 Greek Festival begins Thursday, May 14 and will run through Sunday, May 17. Bring your family and friends and have a 'Greek-Time'!

Festival Information

The Greek Festival, Tidewater’s oldest and largest ethnic festival, will include the traditional Greek cuisine, exciting Greek entertainment, arts and crafts, beautiful jewelry, tours of the Cathedral, and the very popular Drive-Thru. Bring the whole family as we share our Greek hospitality with all ages. All proceeds from the festival benefit the Cathedral’s Ministries as well as local community charities.

Festival Volunteers

Our Annual Greek Festival is made possible by the combined efforts of many volunteers – just like you! The success of our festival depends on the support of all our parishioners. Please set aside some time to help your Cathedral during this major once-a-year fundraiser.Volunteer Registration

Hours & Drive-Thru

Thursday 11:00am – 9:30pm

Friday/Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm – 7:00pm

Open to the Public, Free Admission & Parking

For the Drive-Thru enter the circular drive in front of the Cathedral from Granby Street, hand your order (no substitutions allowed) to a waiting attendant, then drive forward to pick up your food and back onto Granby Street.

“Cooking With the Greeks”

Make, bake and taste a full-course meal using classic Greek recipes used during the Greek Festival. Choose from 2 sessions in 2015: Thursday,May 14 at 4:30pm and Friday, May 15 at 4:30pm at the AHEPA Lodge. Classes run around 90 minutes, please arrive 15 minutes early.

Participation is limited to 50 per class. $40 includes the class and the meal. Register by clicking the “Register Now” button below or by calling 635-8013 or 339-3296 or 440-0500.

Cooking with the Greeks! Make, bake and taste a full-course meal using classic Greek recipes used during the Greek Festival. Back by popular demand in 2015!

The Norfolk Greek Festival began as part of the 75th anniversary of the Annunciation Cathedral in 1986. Its origin dates back to the early 1950’s when the Hellenic Woman’s Club (a leading organization of the Annunciation Cathedral) began operating its weekend bazaar. The ladies of that organization spent endless hours selecting the most popular recipes for the delicious Greek foods and pastries that were served at the bazaar. Below are the men that had the vision to expand the “weekend bazaar” to the present Greek Festival of today.

GUS
JAMES

He was the first Chairman in 1986 and he continued to chair it continuously for the first 15 years. As the leader, it was his job to suggest changes while others implemented but always took the blame if they didn't work. Presently, he is still very active in supporting the festival.

JERRY
RENESIS

A major decision-maker and contributor of the festival. He worked closely together with Gus James making important decisions that significantly made the festival into a huge success. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 81

ARTHUR
POLIZOS

He gave the festival his expertise in advertising and in the public relations field. His agency, Arthur Polizos Associates was one of the regions largest and most successful firms. He died in 2005 at age 79.

ANDY
TOUZOS

He is a major contributor to the festival both financially and a visionary. He assisted with many decisions in ensuring the success of the festival. He is currently still involved, by taking the lead in cooking the tiropites and spanakopites.

“Well done, good and faithful servant;” — Matthew 25:23

NICK
HARRISON

Nick was a festival chairman for over 10 years and has been very instrumental in the daily operations of the festival. He still currently leads the way with hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of the festival.

JOHN
GEORGHIOU

Assisted with many functions of the festival offering his expertise from the restaurant business. Very involved in the front-lines of the festival and a great troubleshooter.

JERRY
CARAVAS

Along with his brother Spyro, Jerry ran the the festival kitchen and cooked many of the dishes, especially the meats and making the pastitsio and moussaka from scratch. He ensured the kitchen ran efficiently and smoothly for over 15 years. He is still active but not in the same capacity.

SPYROS
CARAVAS

Spyro assisted his brother Jerry in the festival kitchen making sure the food was of the top most quality just like the local restaurants that he and his brother owned. He still offers his help in the Loukoumades booth of the festival.